Parents and Visitors

Important Update


Due to the major health risks created by the coronavirus, it is with deep disappointment that the Center for Civic Education has decided to cancel the in-person portions of the 2020 We the People National Finals and the National Invitational. We are working on an alternative plan that will involve video hearings that are evaluated and scored by our expert judges. We will provide more information in the coming days and weeks. Read our full statement here.

 
Information for Parents and Visitors

Information Desk > Learn More
Hearing Rooms > Learn More
Student Briefing Room > Learn More
Awards Ceremony > Learn More

On Saturday, visitors must register at the Center’s Registration Desk located near West Belmont Place entrance of the West Building of the National Conference Center. Visitors will be issued a state badge good for the entire competition. The badge should be worn at all times during competition events. On Sunday, visitors may revisit the Registration Desk for a new badge or use their old badge and go directly to the North Building and wait in the Visitors Lounge. Guests may use their name badge from Saturday or request a new badge at the Information Table in the North Building. Any person not wearing a name or state badge will be denied access to hearing rooms.

Hearing Rooms

Saturday, Sunday and Monday: The hearings will take place on at the National Conference Center.  We hope to accomodate all parents and visitors to view the hearings.To ensure fairness anyone affiliated with a competing class (teachers, coaches, students, chaperons, parents, friends, relatives, etc.) may not enter the hearing room of any other competing class. 

Final Round: The top classes advancing to the final round testify on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the National Conference Center. The hearings are extended to 12 minutes (four minute opening statements and eight minute for follow-up questions.)

Student Orientation Room

Saturday and Sunday: Before the hearings begin there is a twenty-five minute briefing for all classes. Robert Leming, Director of the We the People Programs and Mark Molli, Director of Governmental Relations will officially welcome students, teachers, parents, and visitors to the Eighth Annual We the People National Invitational and address the students about important matters concerning the competition. Upon arrival floor supervisors and Center staff direct students to the Orientation room. Parents and visitors are welcome to attend. At the end of the briefing, floor supervisors and Center staff direct classes to their hearing rooms. Once all classes have been dismissed, parents and visitors are directed to the hearing rooms.

Awards Ceremony

The ceremony is the culminating event of the Eighth Annual We the People National Invitational. This is the time to celebrate the accomplishments of all of the students and teachers participating in the National Invitational. The Awards Ceremony takes place at the National Conference Center from 7:30-8:45 pm. on May 4, 2020. All students, teachers and guests are welcome to attend.